Moles In LOS GATOS, CA
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A common mole (nevus) is a small growth on the skin that is usually pink, tan, or brown and has a distinct edge. People who have more than 50 common moles have a greater chance of developing melanoma (a dangerous type of skin cancer). Most common moles do not turn into melanoma.
A dysplastic nevus is an unusual mole that is often large and flat and does not have a symmetric round or oval shape. The edge is often indistinct. It may have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades. People who have many dysplastic nevi have a greater chance than others of developing melanoma, but most dysplastic nevi do not turn into melanoma.
If the color, size, shape, or height of a mole changes or if it starts to itch, bleed, or ooze, people should tell their doctor.
People should also tell their doctor if they see a new mole that doesn’t look like their other moles. The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check it for cancer cells.
Skin Exams
During a physical exam for a skin problem, your doctor will examine the skin over your whole body, looking for suspicious growths, moles, or lesions. The exam is performed using a bright light and occasionally a magnifying lens. The scalp is examined by parting the hair. A skin exam is done if you have: suspicious moles or skin lesions; symptoms of early skin cancer; a history of previous skin cancer; 50 or more moles; atypical moles (dysplastic nevi); or a family history of skin cancer.
Early signs of skin cancer are a change in the skin, such as a growth, an irritation or a sore that does not heal, or a change in a wart or a mole.
The ABCDE Rules of Detection
ASYMMETRY
One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
BORDER IRREGULARITY
The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
COLOR
The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma.
DIAMETER
The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.), or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
EVOLUTION
here is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color.
Other Signs of Melanoma in a Mole
ELEVATION
such as thickening or raising of a previously flat mole.
SURFACE
such as scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting.
SENSAION
such as itching, tingling, or burning.
SURROUNDING SKIN
such as redness, swelling, or small new patches of color around a larger lesion (satellite pigmentations).
CONSISTENCY
such as softening or small pieces that break off easily (friability).
Other Signs of Skin Cancer
A firm, transparent bump laced with tiny blood vessels in thin red lines (telangiectasias).
A new, smooth skin bump (nodule) with a raised border and indented center.
A smooth, shiny, or pearly bump that may look like a mole or cyst.
A reddish or irritated patch of skin.
An open sore that oozes, bleeds, or crusts and has not healed in 3 weeks.
A persistent red bump on sun-exposed skin.
A sore that does not heal or an area of thickened skin on the lower lip, especially if you smoke or use chewing tobacco, or your lips are exposed to the sun and wind.
A shiny area of tight-looking skin, especially on the face, that looks like a scar and has poorly defined edges.
What to Think About
Photographs may be used to document and detect changes in the skin, especially atypical moles. Some medical centers use computers to compare photographs taken at an earlier exam with new photographs of suspicious moles and lesions. This technique may more accurately determine whether a mole or lesion is changing.
Doctors don’t have to do a biopsy to see if a lesion is benign (noncancerous). They may use a dermatoscope to see spots on the skin. This tool’s special magnifying lens and light source help the doctor see the skin more clearly. Also, with a method called confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), doctors can look even more closely at changes in the cells and tissue of the skin.
Some experts think it’s a good idea to check your own skin every month and have your doctor check periodically. People who are at risk for skin cancer or those who are over 40 years old may want to have their doctor check their skin every year. If you have already had skin cancer, your doctor will recommend more frequent exams.
If you have moles, contact us today to schedule your consultation with world-renowned board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr., Call us at 408-358-5757 today! or fill out our online contact form today!
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